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Unleashed
A dark romance by international best selling author, Jasmin Quinn! Gem I am a pet. I was taken against my will when I was 11 years old. Trained by Adrian Lambert, a gay man who never touched me. Eight years I lived under his rules and rigid expectations. Eight years! And then he died. Now I have a new owner. One who doesn’t want me, doesn’t need me. One who doesn’t know the rules. Harlow She’s kneeling when I see her. A collar clipped around her neck, and her wrists and ankles are fitted with cuffs. A cloud of long sleek brown hair falls over her shoulders almost to her waist; it hangs a little untidy, adding to the impression of wildness. She’s a contradiction between naïve and intelligent. An enticing morsel who has no idea how beautiful she is. So tempting. So hard to resist. How long before I take her innocence? How long before I destroy her?b>Unleashed is a standalone contemporary dark romance. Contains mature themes including explicit language, violence, and descriptive sex scenes. 18+ Other books by Jasmin Quinn: Running with the Devil Series - Standalone Dark Romances with happy ever afters The Darkest Hour Secrets inside Her Black SurrenderWithout MercyHard LessonsCourting TroubleShatteredPast SinsWild CardFallen AngelDuplicityHouse of Shadows The Shifters of Darkness Falls - Standalone Romances with happy ever afters Basic InstinctFierce IntentionsAlpha's PreySavage Hearts
312 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2020
29 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Jasmin Quinn
39 books180 followersJasmin Quinn is a writer in her heart and soul, and loves to read and write stories with strong male and female characters. She writes intense and sexy romance with a hint of suspense, a splash of intrigue and a whole lot of Alpha male. She'll read almost any genre of fiction but is drawn mostly to romance.
When Jasmin isn't writing, she's a beta reader and editor for her author-buddies. She also likes to fuss with her website, lunch with her friends, indulge in retail therapy, and play the occasional computer game. She stays in shape by exercising her rights to her opinion.
She lives in British Columbia, Canada with her husband.
Sign up for Jasmin's news letters to receive a bonus story! https://mailchi.mp/0e3b7fbc169f/jasmi...
When Jasmin isn't writing, she's a beta reader and editor for her author-buddies. She also likes to fuss with her website, lunch with her friends, indulge in retail therapy, and play the occasional computer game. She stays in shape by exercising her rights to her opinion.
She lives in British Columbia, Canada with her husband.
Sign up for Jasmin's news letters to receive a bonus story! https://mailchi.mp/0e3b7fbc169f/jasmi...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 30, 2020
3.5 stars
Unleashed is the first book I have read from new to me author Jasmin Quinn. Going into the story I wasn't sure what to expect but overall it was a pretty good book. Gem is a pet, she has no memory of who she was before she came to live with Adrian because it was basically beat out of her. Harlow is Adrian's brother and after his death he finds out that his brother has a pet and may have been involved in human trafficking. Although the premise could have gone into very dark territory it wasn't at all. I thought the first 50% was very enjoyable and there were many funny moments. Gem has absolutely no filter she is basically tamed in some ways but can turn into a wildcat in the next. I loved the innocence she had. The second half of the book I felt the writing got a little sloppy and the characters became a little OTT with their emotions that to me felt forced. Overall while I did have issues I will definitely read another book by this author.
Unleashed is the first book I have read from new to me author Jasmin Quinn. Going into the story I wasn't sure what to expect but overall it was a pretty good book. Gem is a pet, she has no memory of who she was before she came to live with Adrian because it was basically beat out of her. Harlow is Adrian's brother and after his death he finds out that his brother has a pet and may have been involved in human trafficking. Although the premise could have gone into very dark territory it wasn't at all. I thought the first 50% was very enjoyable and there were many funny moments. Gem has absolutely no filter she is basically tamed in some ways but can turn into a wildcat in the next. I loved the innocence she had. The second half of the book I felt the writing got a little sloppy and the characters became a little OTT with their emotions that to me felt forced. Overall while I did have issues I will definitely read another book by this author.
July 10, 2020
4.5 stars
Okay so I loved this book.
It was very different than what I’m used to and for that, it made me love it so much more.
I love Gem and Harlow and I’m hoping to have more to read about Marta, Pudge, and Rozi.
There was so much character growth and self discovery. Definitely a book I won’t forget anytime soon.
Why not 5 stars?
Aside from a few grammatical errors, I felt like the book should have been split into three parts because of what all went down.
Though the writing was fresh, I felt like there should of been some more depth in several major plot twists that occur. I also think the book finished too quickly, all neat and tidy. Yes I love my HEA and HFN, but the last few chapters seemed rushed.
Okay so I loved this book.
It was very different than what I’m used to and for that, it made me love it so much more.
I love Gem and Harlow and I’m hoping to have more to read about Marta, Pudge, and Rozi.
There was so much character growth and self discovery. Definitely a book I won’t forget anytime soon.
Why not 5 stars?
Aside from a few grammatical errors, I felt like the book should have been split into three parts because of what all went down.
Though the writing was fresh, I felt like there should of been some more depth in several major plot twists that occur. I also think the book finished too quickly, all neat and tidy. Yes I love my HEA and HFN, but the last few chapters seemed rushed.
November 19, 2020
What do I even say? I'm not a gusher, so this is short. Unleashed transcends genre.
*Likable (I'd say lovable) heroine who is definitely Not a Mary Sue.
*Likable (hotter than Hades) hero who is 100% alpha and 100% faithful from when he lays eyes on her. Super bossy and sometimes inept at his first relationship, he is the male version of Not a Mary Sue. (What would that be? Not an Evan? Note to self: ponder later.)
*solid supporting cast
*mafia
*super bad guys
*tragedy
*white knight rescue
*H treasures the h (to the point she wants to poke his eyes out)
*princess saves herself
*and of course, because it's Jasmin Quinn, a swoony, sexy HEA.
This is a heartfelt, sometimes heartbreaking, but also fun and life affirming story of a young woman who has lived in a rigid environment since she was 11 and has not developed emotional maturity past that age. She is thrown, not out into the harsh world, but into the life and home of a boss. Not like a mafia boss, just a boss. Not really any other term. I'm bored with alpha male. Anyway, the resulting clashes between her and people around her as she adapts to her new life and, slowly, develops a filter are hilarious. It does get heavy. There is suspense and violence and an evil doctor, but no assault.
This is not a short book, so don't start it too late in the day or you will be up all night. Read wisely.
*Likable (I'd say lovable) heroine who is definitely Not a Mary Sue.
*Likable (hotter than Hades) hero who is 100% alpha and 100% faithful from when he lays eyes on her. Super bossy and sometimes inept at his first relationship, he is the male version of Not a Mary Sue. (What would that be? Not an Evan? Note to self: ponder later.)
*solid supporting cast
*mafia
*super bad guys
*tragedy
*white knight rescue
*H treasures the h (to the point she wants to poke his eyes out)
*princess saves herself
*and of course, because it's Jasmin Quinn, a swoony, sexy HEA.
This is a heartfelt, sometimes heartbreaking, but also fun and life affirming story of a young woman who has lived in a rigid environment since she was 11 and has not developed emotional maturity past that age. She is thrown, not out into the harsh world, but into the life and home of a boss. Not like a mafia boss, just a boss. Not really any other term. I'm bored with alpha male. Anyway, the resulting clashes between her and people around her as she adapts to her new life and, slowly, develops a filter are hilarious. It does get heavy. There is suspense and violence and an evil doctor, but no assault.
This is not a short book, so don't start it too late in the day or you will be up all night. Read wisely.
December 7, 2022
Gem was kidnapped when she was just a kid and trafficked into the care of a man named Adrian. With him, she wasn’t sexually abused, so she was convinced that she had a good life as his trained pet. But then Adrian dies, and his brother storms in. Harlow is different, and maddening. He doesn’t like Gem’s rules, or Gem’s collar and cuffs, and he doesn’t even want to sleep with her. This all pisses Gem off because she’s pretty sure she’s in love with him. Harlow reluctantly agrees to take her virginity only when Gem “becomes a woman,” even though she’s 19-20 when they meet. He says this in reference to her immature behavior, which Gem decides to work on. Gem struggles to find herself in the aftermath of being a trained slave for so long, especially under the overprotective wing of Harlow.
I liked the story, but Gem could be a bit of a difficult character to like. She’s definitely bratty, angsty, and self-centered, although this is justified due to her past and lack of knowledge.
The love between Harlow and Gem was also a bit rushed in my opinion. They just kind of decide they love each other pretty quickly on but there isn’t much substance behind it other than lust.
I won’t keep this on my shelf but maybe someday I’d read again.
I liked the story, but Gem could be a bit of a difficult character to like. She’s definitely bratty, angsty, and self-centered, although this is justified due to her past and lack of knowledge.
The love between Harlow and Gem was also a bit rushed in my opinion. They just kind of decide they love each other pretty quickly on but there isn’t much substance behind it other than lust.
I won’t keep this on my shelf but maybe someday I’d read again.
June 25, 2020
This newest story by Jasmin Quinn is unique, interesting, heart rendering and exciting. I’ve long been a fan of Ms. Quinn’s writing and this book didn’t disappoint. It’s equally as good as any of her other writings, all of which I heartily recommend.
This is the story of Gem and Harlow. Gem, a lost young woman, living in abuse, confusion and isolation, with no memory of her past and Harlow, a hardened man, a man who has defined links to her unknown prior life. Harlow stumbles upon Gem in dire circumstances and sets out to help her. The story evolves from this point.
The story of Gem and Harlow unfolds slowly, revealing shocking circumstances and events. There were times I was on the edge, reading anxiously as dangers were navigated and dealt with. There were times I got frustrated at the actions of the characters. And there were times I was quite delighted at a turn of events. This is a book of full emotional range - from fear to relief, from sadness to joy. I loved every minute of the read.
As is usual with me, I highly recommend the books of Jasmin Quinn. This one is an exceptional story, original and fascinating. Highly recommended.
This is the story of Gem and Harlow. Gem, a lost young woman, living in abuse, confusion and isolation, with no memory of her past and Harlow, a hardened man, a man who has defined links to her unknown prior life. Harlow stumbles upon Gem in dire circumstances and sets out to help her. The story evolves from this point.
The story of Gem and Harlow unfolds slowly, revealing shocking circumstances and events. There were times I was on the edge, reading anxiously as dangers were navigated and dealt with. There were times I got frustrated at the actions of the characters. And there were times I was quite delighted at a turn of events. This is a book of full emotional range - from fear to relief, from sadness to joy. I loved every minute of the read.
As is usual with me, I highly recommend the books of Jasmin Quinn. This one is an exceptional story, original and fascinating. Highly recommended.
October 10, 2020
3.5 stars for mafia style story. I love this author's shifter series, but didn't much like this book. The h was rescued and needs to be socialised, and the H is very patient. I liked that the H waited for her to be ready. She was an interesting character, and I did like the idea of the story. It flowed well, characters had depth, guess I'm not into mafia setting.
July 6, 2020
Interesting and captivating story!
This was a very interesting and captivating story that had me completely riveted to my seat right from the first page. The story is dark and twisted but with some very lovely moments in between.
Gem is a very damaged woman who has been emotionally stunted. She was trained at a very young age to be a pet leaving her growth and development childlike. At times she really frustrated me with her limited ability to cope with her life and her reality. But this is also what made me very heartbroken over what was done to her. Harlow may seem to be her savior but he is not always a good man. Gem somehow breaks through Harlow's icy exterior to find what she's looking for hidden underneath all of his anger and pain.
Gem and Harlow's journey together is a rough and bumpy road. It's not always happy and sweet as they have some darkness and pain to overcome.
I really enjoyed this story and all the little secrets and twists that get revealed over time. It had me captivated and entertained throughout. Highly recommend.
This was a very interesting and captivating story that had me completely riveted to my seat right from the first page. The story is dark and twisted but with some very lovely moments in between.
Gem is a very damaged woman who has been emotionally stunted. She was trained at a very young age to be a pet leaving her growth and development childlike. At times she really frustrated me with her limited ability to cope with her life and her reality. But this is also what made me very heartbroken over what was done to her. Harlow may seem to be her savior but he is not always a good man. Gem somehow breaks through Harlow's icy exterior to find what she's looking for hidden underneath all of his anger and pain.
Gem and Harlow's journey together is a rough and bumpy road. It's not always happy and sweet as they have some darkness and pain to overcome.
I really enjoyed this story and all the little secrets and twists that get revealed over time. It had me captivated and entertained throughout. Highly recommend.
May 3, 2024
Cute story.
August 23, 2020
UNLEASHED ; review
What I liked : I was glued to this story from the beginning, once I had started I couldn't put it down. Harlow was an interesting character but Gem is really the principal character here with the most going on. I really like how complex her character was. Reading how her mind works was fascinating, and led to some funny situations in the beginning. I feel like this story is a mix between insta love and Slow burn. It's close to insta love for the heroine, and slow burn for the hero. I liked the fact that they didn't have sex right of the bat. The sex scenes only happened near the end of the book (but in all honesty I skipped them because I'm tired of reading sex scenes lately).
What I didn't like : I would have gladly given it 5 stars, however I did not like Gem's choice regarding "freedom & independence" near the end. I understand why the author went that way and a rational part of me agrees with it, however the bigger part of me that hates when authors creates rifts between the MC near the end just to have a "big reunion moment" at the end, was highly agreavated and frustrated at the end. So much so much that sadly it kinda ruined the end for me. Sure they found their way back to each other but I didn't like the rift situation, and I feel like the author would have gone another way and kept the MC while also creating a solution for Gel and her need to find herself. I ended up skipping most of the end because of that, and when the MC finally reunited it was bitter sweet for me...
Warnings : Even thought this romance is classified as dark, it isn't as extreme as other dark romances I've read. The dark part of this story is mostly what happened to Gem before Harlow came into the picture. We only hear from it from the heroine, and through her memories. There is talk of abuse, more mental than physical, and near the middle there is violence from a bag guy toward the heroine. Other than that the story is rather safe to read.
Would I recommend this book?
Even if what happened near the end ruined my enjoyement of the romance due to my frustration with the heroine, I would still recommend this book because that aside the story was great and captivating.
Will I re-read it?
Nope. Had the end not been so frustrating I probably would have picked it back up again at some point.
Will I read anything else from this author?
I like the writing, story building and characters so I'll definitely read more of this author's work if one of her books grabs my attention.
What I liked : I was glued to this story from the beginning, once I had started I couldn't put it down. Harlow was an interesting character but Gem is really the principal character here with the most going on. I really like how complex her character was. Reading how her mind works was fascinating, and led to some funny situations in the beginning. I feel like this story is a mix between insta love and Slow burn. It's close to insta love for the heroine, and slow burn for the hero. I liked the fact that they didn't have sex right of the bat. The sex scenes only happened near the end of the book (but in all honesty I skipped them because I'm tired of reading sex scenes lately).
What I didn't like : I would have gladly given it 5 stars, however I did not like Gem's choice regarding "freedom & independence" near the end. I understand why the author went that way and a rational part of me agrees with it, however the bigger part of me that hates when authors creates rifts between the MC near the end just to have a "big reunion moment" at the end, was highly agreavated and frustrated at the end. So much so much that sadly it kinda ruined the end for me. Sure they found their way back to each other but I didn't like the rift situation, and I feel like the author would have gone another way and kept the MC while also creating a solution for Gel and her need to find herself. I ended up skipping most of the end because of that, and when the MC finally reunited it was bitter sweet for me...
Warnings : Even thought this romance is classified as dark, it isn't as extreme as other dark romances I've read. The dark part of this story is mostly what happened to Gem before Harlow came into the picture. We only hear from it from the heroine, and through her memories. There is talk of abuse, more mental than physical, and near the middle there is violence from a bag guy toward the heroine. Other than that the story is rather safe to read.
Would I recommend this book?
Even if what happened near the end ruined my enjoyement of the romance due to my frustration with the heroine, I would still recommend this book because that aside the story was great and captivating.
Will I re-read it?
Nope. Had the end not been so frustrating I probably would have picked it back up again at some point.
Will I read anything else from this author?
I like the writing, story building and characters so I'll definitely read more of this author's work if one of her books grabs my attention.
June 29, 2020
Loved it!
4.5 stars
Okay I loved everything about this book and the only reason I didn’t give it a 5 stars which says a lot because it’s been years since I have given a 5 stars it’s because of two things.
I. I saw a few misspelling errors and in one sentence that didn’t make sense because the author used him instead of her.
2. The stupid reason she left Harlow house, her own words because she wanted to grow, find herself! But I’m reality it was because she wanted him to do her Hard!!! Like what the actual &)@! One of the most dumb things I read in my life.
She had the liberty to come and go, was he controlling? Hmmm a bit not that much. He just treated her like the woman he loved.
This book was slow burn! Age gap! I love how she in some way like Nip in like in loved way in a way a woman loves a man, I hate when women In books have to stay pure body and soul for a male lead who more than not sleep around!
Reread? Maybe
Recommend? Hell yeah
Overall? I loooved it!
Age gap? Stars at her being 19 but ends with her being 20. Him 32? He didn’t make it clear he usually said 10 to 12 year gap.
4.5 stars
Okay I loved everything about this book and the only reason I didn’t give it a 5 stars which says a lot because it’s been years since I have given a 5 stars it’s because of two things.
I. I saw a few misspelling errors and in one sentence that didn’t make sense because the author used him instead of her.
2. The stupid reason she left Harlow house, her own words because she wanted to grow, find herself! But I’m reality it was because she wanted him to do her Hard!!! Like what the actual &)@! One of the most dumb things I read in my life.
She had the liberty to come and go, was he controlling? Hmmm a bit not that much. He just treated her like the woman he loved.
This book was slow burn! Age gap! I love how she in some way like Nip in like in loved way in a way a woman loves a man, I hate when women In books have to stay pure body and soul for a male lead who more than not sleep around!
Reread? Maybe
Recommend? Hell yeah
Overall? I loooved it!
Age gap? Stars at her being 19 but ends with her being 20. Him 32? He didn’t make it clear he usually said 10 to 12 year gap.
June 27, 2020
This storyline and the characters themselves have so many contrasting facets I couldn't put it down. I would classify it as a dark romance but it does have shining moments of hope and love. Gem is such a mix of knowing and naivety with an untamed determination to survive. Harlow in no way could be called a good man but he does have limits to what he finds acceptable which led to Gem's freedom. There are both high and low moments as Gem progresses in her development as an independent young woman that had her childhood stolen away from her. The journey to this couple's happiness wasn't easy but I felt like it was a personal triumph I became so invested in these characters. I recommend this one.
July 7, 2020
I honestly don't know how I feel about this book after reading it. It covers a lot of taboo topics from kidnaping, prostitution, gang, murder and a lot of other violent subject.
Started out a bit darker than my preference. Got even darker for a bit and was fine at the end.
Several things remains un-resolved.
For H who is supposed to be an Alpha and a Boss ... I did not get that vibe.
I liked the growth of Gem from a pet to an independent woman... but I did not much feel the love between H and h. Lust for sure ...but not really love or the chemistry. Heat level was also not that much.
I will looking for a book that would leave me hot and bothered... did not find it here.
Started out a bit darker than my preference. Got even darker for a bit and was fine at the end.
Several things remains un-resolved.
For H who is supposed to be an Alpha and a Boss ... I did not get that vibe.
I liked the growth of Gem from a pet to an independent woman... but I did not much feel the love between H and h. Lust for sure ...but not really love or the chemistry. Heat level was also not that much.
I will looking for a book that would leave me hot and bothered... did not find it here.
October 11, 2021
A really good read
I normally hate giving reviews, however I enjoyed this book so much I just had to. I loved the characters, the storyline can be unsettling to some, but its reality. Jasmin writes with a Descriptive honest flair. Human trafficking is real. There is also a boat load of sweetness and humor in this story as well. A really nice balance of emotions, that you will feel while reading. I highly recommend this book.
I normally hate giving reviews, however I enjoyed this book so much I just had to. I loved the characters, the storyline can be unsettling to some, but its reality. Jasmin writes with a Descriptive honest flair. Human trafficking is real. There is also a boat load of sweetness and humor in this story as well. A really nice balance of emotions, that you will feel while reading. I highly recommend this book.
June 29, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. The depth of charcters was outstanding. Ms. Quinn highlights her heroines to be strong, intelligent and independent. Gem transformed into a butterfly able to spread her wings. Harlow was the typical a$$hole alpha who learns more about himself because of his love for Gem.
June 28, 2020
What a journey.
This one had a lot going on, but it intertwined well. The h’s journey of finding her way was well told. I loved how the H was possessive but still allowed her to find herself. You enjoyed every page.
This one had a lot going on, but it intertwined well. The h’s journey of finding her way was well told. I loved how the H was possessive but still allowed her to find herself. You enjoyed every page.
June 29, 2020
Spicy and suspenseful
Love the backstory although her recovery seems a little unrealistic, it’s nice to dream. Took a while for the action to set in.
Love the backstory although her recovery seems a little unrealistic, it’s nice to dream. Took a while for the action to set in.
July 4, 2020
Jasmin Quinn has quickly become one of my favorite authors. This book was emotional and kept me interested from the first paragraph. I feel hard for Harlow Rourke!
September 13, 2020
Really Good!
Enjoyed this book. I hope Jasminbwill continue this as a series. I'm really hoping for;
Marta & Luis
Pudge & Rozi
And it would be nice to see Noah with someone too.
Enjoyed this book. I hope Jasminbwill continue this as a series. I'm really hoping for;
Marta & Luis
Pudge & Rozi
And it would be nice to see Noah with someone too.
September 19, 2020
Amazing!
This was such a good story, I loved all the characters, the love for each other, lots of surprises, definitely recommend this book!
This was such a good story, I loved all the characters, the love for each other, lots of surprises, definitely recommend this book!
September 15, 2022
a cute read
I would consider this a lite dark romance. Not your typical slave trope but somehow more twisted then that.
It was great but not a re-read for me.
I would consider this a lite dark romance. Not your typical slave trope but somehow more twisted then that.
It was great but not a re-read for me.
September 13, 2025
3.75 ₊ ⊹
October 24, 2020
It was very good book until that separation 6+ months (last 20-30%) . I did not like how they handled that, their feelings etc (at least they both stayed celibate). That felt weird and super rushed. Like they got back together and bam. The end. So they never told her father that she was alive? How cruel is that . And what about that obsessed human trafficker who was after her? Zero mention of him also.. so many loose ends
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews